Counselor, too?

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

I was wondering how many out there are the lone non-educational staff and are called on for multiple roles? I have become both the nurse and counselor at my school. The counselor we had did not return this year. Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it. I get all the anxious little snowflakes that are calm right up to the point I suggest returning to class. Those are the easy ones, I had to contact our local youth services bureau, an extension of the health department for a student with harm ideation. I have reached out to NAMI for guidance, but still feel ill equipped. Administrators are glad I am here and able to deal better than they can, but sometimes I feel lost. I do have a counselor I can consult.

[ohiobobcat]

I do not have to play that dial role very often. We have 4 guidance counselors at my school, and they are busy. Plus we have contacted mental health counselors that have a set group of kids they see weekly here at school.

Sometimes mental health stuff does fall in my lap, but I have resources right down the hall if I feel I need them.

Are they actively trying to fill the counselor position in your school, MM?

[Farawyn]

I feel for you. I honestly do not know what I would do without my Social Workers, Psych and Guidance Counselors. My instincts have been good, but I don't always know the protocol.

Things can get scary, quickly.

Can you talk to your Principal about getting someone? Even part time? Is there district psych?

I don't know what else to tell you, except to come here and vent.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

We kinda work on the system that a parent has a degree and wants to barter position for tuition. I could always pray that we get a new student..... I will use this as a vent. My biggest challenges have a mom who is a psych nurse, enough said, right.

[scrubsrn24]

My adjustment counselor has been out for almost 2 months, so I feel your pain. I have had to step into her role a little and it has made me appreciate her all the more.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

We have no social worker in the district so I get to take on that role. Usually it's fine but sometimes I just wish there was another person to discuss some of the kids issues and home issues I see. Our psych is not much help. She's too big and important to work with little ole me

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

My adjustment counselor has been out for almost 2 months, so I feel your pain. I have had to step into her role a little and it has made me appreciate her all the more.

That's the hardest part, I know what it is like to have a counselor, she is sorely missed, and I let her know it . Thankfully my health department is awesome and apparently, I am the only private school nurse in the county that utilizes them. A great partnership.

[DEgalRN]

I completely understand. In fact this morning I was typing up a post on SI and self-harm because I'm so lost with this stuff (I probably still should). We have a behavioral therapist, but he's part time. No social worker and one guidance counselor who is good at academics only. We don't have written protocols so I've been trying to get something put together to be approved so I have something to follow!

I'm finding that the mental health issues are more time consuming then the physical ailments.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

The powers that be JUST. DON'T. GET. IT.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

The powers that be JUST. DON'T. GET. IT.

[canigraduate]

Continue to tell the powers that be that you are uncomfortable with this. It sounds like they are getting two positions for the price of one. I would harass the principal until someone else is hired.

Check weekly and see what progess is being made on filling the position.

Tell the principal flat out that you are not credentialed for that job and that it will be their responsibility until you have a counselor. Check into state regulations and make sure that you are not going to get in trouble for not being a counselor and providing counseling. There are all kinds of possible legal repercussions.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

I don't do any counseling. I let them sit in my office until they are calm enough to return to class. The one severe case, I always defer to the health department and leave it up to them on how to proceed. The school itself is a majority blue collar private school, there are no funds available to hire a counselor, it is normally a barter type arrangement. And unlike any public school teacher I know, these teachers all want to stay teachers and don't want to be counsellors.